Pakistan is indubitably bee’s knees for the vagabonds. And the benefits it offers to the metrosexuals are thin on the ground. Pakistan has a lot to offer to the tourists such as rich culture, tantalizing cuisines, highest mountains, lush green valleys and beautiful hill stations. And most importantly the hospitality offered by her people. Don’t forget Pakistani people are listed amongst happiest people in the world. So, you can expect Chai (Milk Tea) from everyone you pay a call to. That’s a given.
As a traveller, the first thing to get your head around is your safety. In this post, we have singled out a few tips which you can follow to win yourself a terrific and secure tour of Pakistan. Let the cat come out of bag!
Tips for the travellers backpacking around Pakistan
Don’t pack too much
Yes, packing adequately is something of great import. I’m not specifically talking about visiting Pakistan, this goes for every single country. Well, you need to implement the Spanish Proverb “On a long journey, even a straw weighs heavy” before arranging luggage in your rucksack. Don’t keep too many clothes and shoes. Don’t panic, you can find everything in Pakistan. Don’t take a sleeping bag unless you are going camping. Alright, let’s put it this way. You are going to need a few things. That said, a pair of jeans and shoes, a small first aid kit, chargers and power bank, medicines (if you are on any) will get the job done. But do take liquid hand wash as a few hostels don’t supply it. Be that as it may, just because the excess luggage is not allowed on the airline you are travelling with, you needn’t get in a blue funk. A bunch of cargo from UK to Pakistan companies can take care of your excess luggage.
Check-in with your doctor and insurance carrier before planning the trip
Well, you have a got a few things to discuss with your doctor before planning the trip to Pakistan. Visit your doctor and tell them about the span of your stay in Pakistan and get yourself vaccinated against the common diseases such as Malaria, Typhoid and Diarrhoea (as these are most common diseases in Pakistan). And don’t forget to get travel insurance. It’s be fructiferous in case you lose your luggage or on medical grounds. Pack your medicines (if you are on any) and ask your doctor if you’d be able to put up with the environmental conditions of the destination country and you are all set. Off you go!
Watch out for water and street food in Pakistan
There is no denying the fact that Pakistani cuisines are considered as one of most tantalizing foods on the planet. Be that as it may, Pakistan is developing country so the whole country is facing the problem of clean drinking water. Street food in Lahore and Karachi is something not to be missed at any cost. But, never eat from the stalls open to dust and flies. Do try out Nihari and Paye if Lahore is on your bucket list as a foodie. Avoid tap water and the food that looks unhygienic at any cost.
Accommodation in Pakistan
Well, accommodation in Pakistan can do your head in. No two ways about it. You’d not find a bunch of budget hotels out there in smaller cities (though that’s not the case with big cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad). Therefore, it’d be fructiferous to book accommodation prior to your arrival. Everything won’t go your way every time. So, take the bull by the horns in case you lose any problem.
One more thing, use your sensations while ambling along the streets or shopping around the markets. Remember, throwing too much cash to the beggars is like carrying around a slogan saying “Rob Me”. Keep a limited amount of cash on you to avoid the scammers.
Get the services of bargaining while shopping around the local shops
Well, it might seem a bit strange to you but bargaining is the fruitful principal while purchasing anything from local shops in almost every corner in Pakistan. That’s not gross. That’s how things work in Pakistan. While shopping around for anything from the local markets, take the advantage of bargaining and that’s going to make a big difference (Don’t worry, you will notice it).
Places worth visiting while backpacking around Pakistan
Pakistan is brimming with the beauty of nature which is scattered all around and making it a remarkable place to hang your hat in. The evergreen places, the snow-capped mountains, the lush waterfalls and the magnificence of historical places, all are present in this glamorous country. Nature has blessed this land with every single thing that is filled with stunning beauty and all four seasons present these places with their own uniqueness. Let’s get into this marvellous place and discover some of the beautiful places to pay a call to:
Skardu
As one take flight from Islamabad toward Skardu, the adventurous journey begins. The plane flies over the Himalaya Mountains and green pastures which soothe eyes and captivate oneself towards them. As soon as you reach there, the temperature instantly falls between 5 to 10 degrees. That’s the beginning of your cool travelling. Hold on! Let’s dive into this epitome of beauty.
Crossing the beautiful apricot and cherry blossom gardens or walking over a ladder laid atop a water stream or trekking all the way down to the Upper Kachura Lake, would flake away all the worries and leaves you in the lap of the nature where your heart blossoms. With the sun out, a hot cup of tea in chilly winds is the perfect match to enjoy morning there. When you get onto a boat with your feet dangling into the lake, it will make you forget everything, but make sure to take them out before they start turning blue. Just kidding!
Chitral
Chitral is the most attractive and serene district of Pakistan situated at the North in KPK province. It shares border with Gilgit-Baltistan to the east, with Afghanistan to the north and west, and with the districts of Swat and Dir to the south. A narrow strip of Wakhan Corridor splits Chitral and Tajikistan in the north.
This place is renowned for its natural beauty, the simplicity of its inhabitants and its unique and glamorous culture. It is the most captivating and charismatic place in the Hindu Kush range. The landscape of Chitral is really mysterious, with its steep mountain slopes, lush green valleys, striking pastures and huge glaciers, which have made it one of the most challenging and out-of-the-way sites of the world transforming it into an adventurous place globally.
The weather in Chitral is exceptionally cold in winters unlike other parts of the country, while the summers are very pleasant and are the best season to visit this charming area. It is also famous because of the Kalash Valley, a place of Kalash people, who are the descendants of Alexander-the great. Kalash Valley is a source of magnetism for the people all around the world. The exceptional culture and way of spending life by Kalash people make them different from the rest of the people.
The weather is cold in these mountainous areas, if you are a women then Queen Latifah Green And White Shearling coat will be preferable.
Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba is one of the loveliest resorts in the area of Swat. It is about 8700 feet above the sea level. Around 314 km away from Islamabad, it is located on the top of Hindu Kush range, in the Northeast of Saidu Sharif. Modern amenities including ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms and snow clearing equipment are available there.
Two places at Malam Jabba provide the facility of chair lift for tourists and couples to enjoy themselves. This chair lift can elevate almost 56 passengers at a time to the height of more than 10000 feet. Inside the Malam Jabba resort, there is a facility of indoor games. In winters, six to eight feet snow fall can be recorded around the resort. That’s really cool, isn’t it?
Two beautiful tracks for walking around to sooth your soul are also available in the area. The surroundings of those tracks engulf tall trees and picturesque views. You will observe a green carpet of grass if you visit Green Valley. Cattles can be seen grazing around in the lush green valley. Flowers and plants of different kind add beauty to this majestic place.
Bahrain
I’m not talking about the country in the Persian Gulf, it’s a hill station located in KPK province, Pakistan, almost 312 km away from Islamabad, and about 4500 feet above the sea level.
The literal meaning of Bahrain is two rivers, and Daral and Swat, the two rivers meet at this point. The atmosphere of this place is magical. This place is famous for the handmade items which depict the artistic taste of the inhabitants. Luxurious hotels at pocket-friendly cost are available for the tourists as stay-ins. Furthermore, Bahrain is famous for its mosques and buildings and the surrounding area has beautiful valleys which are perfect for the hiking. These are just a few places to pay a visit to, but Pakistan has many more places which will attract you all in all. Remember, you need to be cautious about the time because this beautiful country will make you stick around. That’s a given!
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